SEIU alliance with Wal-Mart provides seat at the table

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is using alliances with big healthcare players to position itself with a seat at the table, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The article noted the SEIU's recent work with Wal-Mart, when the presidents from both organizations sent a letter to President Barack Obama in support of employer-mandated healthcare, as one significant example.

A congressional aide told the Journal that the alliance positioned the union to "find themselves at the table in a lot of discussions."

Following Wal-Mart's announcement, retail competitor Target told Dow Jones Newswires that it supports the concept but is holding off on making a formal announcement of support until it sees the final legislation.